Ronald John Banitt, age 86, of Zumbrota died Saturday, December 20, 2014 at Diamond Care Center in Cannon Falls.

He was born on May 3, 1928 in Goodhue County to Fredrick and Helen (Nelson) Banitt. He grew up in Zumbrota and attended country schools. On August 18, 1950 he was married to Rose Nesbit; together they had four children. Rose died on March 3, 1985. Ron farmed and hauled milk before joining the Army in 1950. He served in the Korean War until 1953. He had many jobs throughout his life including working as a farmer, seed salesman for Pioneer/Watkins Seeds, and driving bus. He drove the #1 Zumbrota bus for many years. Ron was a member of the VFW Post #5727, American Legion Post #183, Zumbrota Lions Club, the 55/60 Club, and United Redeemer Church. He enjoyed fishing, gardening, dancing, listening to old-time music, playing cards, meeting the guys for coffee, and the occasional trip to the casino.

Ron is survived by his three children, Tom Banitt of Houston, TX, Mike (Sue) Banitt of Rochester, and Becki (Jeff) Jacobson of Lakeville; 11 grandchildren, Christine Banitt, Tommy Banitt, Melissa Banitt Morrow, Angela Banitt, Andrew Banitt, Jenna Jacobson, Jordan Jacobson, Becky Kubat, Jackie Ramacher, Mindi Arendt, and Trevor Paulson; 15 great-grandchildren, Malli Banitt, Ben Morrow, Nate Morrow, Mikey Morrow, Damian Banitt, Zak Kubat, Paige Kubat, Ethan Ramacher, Bronte Smith, Makayla Arendt, Jakalyn Arendt, Zakary Arendt, Bakster Arendt, Tessa Paulson, and Kora Paulson; sister, Phyllis (Duke) French; and many special nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Rose "Renie"; son, Steve; parents, Fred and Helen; and brother, Byron.

Memorial service will be 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 30, 2014 at United Redeemer Church in Zumbrota with Reverend Susan Vikstrom officiating. Burial will follow at Zumbrota Cemetery. Visitation will be two hours prior to the service at the church. Memorials are preferred to the American Heart Association. Arrangements are by Mahn Family Funeral Home, Larson Chapel

Obituary and photo from Mahn Funeral Home.